patrick peterson / 202 SPOTLIGHT /
By Marlene Montanez
Destined for Glory
A Chat with Arizona Cardinals’ Patrick Peterson
F
or someone so young, so successful and seemingly on the top of his game, it’s a surprise to still have such a down-to-earth attitude, but that’s exactly what you’ll find out as soon as you meet the Arizona Cardinal’s Cornerback, Patrick Peterson. At just 23-years-old and still a newlywed, Peterson’s great story is just getting started. From a young age, Peterson showed an interest in sports and was the top draft prospect out of high school. After that, he went on to play three seasons for Louisiana State University and in 2010, he earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year and First-team ALL-SEC.
than we have in the last few years. I think we have a pretty good opportunity to start fresh this year,” Peterson says. Since half of the team is new, he says it’s a great opportunity to not only win more games, but hopefully even make it into the playoffs. But even though Peterson has had much success throughout his career, he is still learning things, too. “The biggest thing I’ve learned as far as the NFL is being prepared at all times, making sure that you’re not just reliant on athletic ability, that you’re ready for the upcoming game,” he says. “Being a student of the game is definitely one of the biggest things I’ve learned in the NFL.” Although many professional athletes come to town for games and training and actually reside elsewhere, Peterson calls Gilbert home year-round. He enjoys the quiet and the fact that it’s removed from the hustle and bustle that’s common in other parts of the Valley. “It’s an up and coming community,” he says. “I’m the kind of guy that likes space; it’s far enough from everyone but not that far where I can’t get to work on time.” This summer, Peterson hosted his first football camp
In 2011, Peterson was selected fifth overall in the draft by the Arizona Cardinals and on defense, he started all 16 games of the season as cornerback. He earned a spot on the 2011 NFC Pro Bowl roster becoming the only rookie ever to be named to the 2011 All-Pro team. Again in 2012, he was selected for Pro-Bowl and although he has been with the Arizona Cardinals for a short time, he’s made quite the impact on the team. Now, Peterson has his eyes on doing even better than before. “I’m looking forward to winning more games
“Being a student of the game is definitely one of the biggest things I’ve learned in the NFL.”
202magazine.com / AUGUST 2013 / 202 MAGAZINE
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